First reloads, not to bad

I created by first batch of reloads for my .45 M&P pistol. I went to the range and shot them. I was noticeably more erratic with the reloads than I was with similar factory bullets (Winchester 230 gr FMJ from Wally World). I used 5.2 grains of Win 231 which is the minimum specifed by my Lymans 49th. I used the same bullets indicated in the Lymans manual, Speer 45acp 230 gr TMJ (#4480). The OAL of my reloads was very close to the Winchester FMJ's.

Assuming that the problem is the with the reloads and not from me being excited/nervous about shooting them, what could I do to improve the reloads without getting a different powder. The max is 5.8 gr of Win 231 n the Lymans manual, not much range between min and max.

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Oathkeeper1775

September 12, 2011, 04:27 PM

Could it be because the head was turned? Just kidding....:D

I'm still green so for whatever its worth......

I'm going up and down with the components little by little;

I was experiencing leading on the .45 Colt so I dropped the HS6 down a grain or two because I loaded Magnum primers.

Still in progress

coebam

September 12, 2011, 05:42 PM

I have been reloading for around 8 months or so. I do both 9mm and .45 acp.
My first bottle of gun powder was "unique" and I had had a bunch of FTE & FTF problems on both calibers. The next can I bought was Bullseye. I have had very good results. 230gr on the 45 and 115 gr on the 9mm. 5.1 grains of powder on both. Accurate and no feed or ejection issues. I just bought a can of W231 powder, my gun range/supplier was out of bullseye. He told me he uses W231 all the time and he primarily loads 45acp. I would assume it's not the powder since it's what uses personally. Maybe you should bump up the powder grains. I have found running around max recommended load works best for me. I'm looking forward to trying it out....I will let you know how it goes.

Good luck!:)

Wrage

September 12, 2011, 07:48 PM

Also, you could try to "work up" a load by starting at the min. grains and working up in .5 grain increments to the max load listed and see if you have a "sweet spot" for your firearm. I shoot 3-5 at each increments and compare the results.

I have done this with my rifle loads and found vast differences in performance from the min to the max loads. Like coebam said try running up the grains a bit and compare.

Good luck! :)

3leggeddog

September 12, 2011, 08:36 PM

I'd suggest you load up 10 rds each of W213 at 5.5grs and 5.7grs ....... See which load your gun likes the best!

ArchAngelCD

September 13, 2011, 06:02 AM

Assuming that the problem is the with the reloads and not from me being excited/nervous about shooting them, what could I do to improve the reloads without getting a different powder. The max is 5.8 gr of Win 231 n the Lymans manual, not much range between min and max.
My favorite .45 Auto load is 5.5gr W231 under a 230gr LRN or FMJ bullet with an OAL of between 1.265" and 1.270". (but the bullet you use will dictate the OAL you can use) That load is very accurate in my guns and most others I've seen shoot that load. I would suggest trying 14 rounds or so loaded with that charge weight. As you load more you will find sometimes a few grains of powder up or down can make all the difference in the world. You have to explore the entire charge weight range to find the "sweet spot" for that powder/bullet combination. And, sometimes you will find a certain powder just won't produce accurate ammo for your pistol even if others have had success with that powder. (although I wouldn't worry too much about W231)

I have used a lot of powders in the 45 Auto, some good and some not so good. Even though I have had success with many I always seem to come back to W231/HP-38. Also, sometimes the OAL will effect accuracy. You said you used an OAL that was close to the Winchester factory ammo. If the OAL used by Lyman is vastly different it can effect the accuracy of the ammo you are making by increasing or decreasing the pressure generated by that load.

Good luck finding a good load for your handgun.

MoreIsLess

September 13, 2011, 09:36 AM

This is great feeback. I'm going to load some more tonight or tomorrow, so I will up the grains to 5.4 or 5.5.

Actually, I went back last night and shot some more that I had loaded at 5.2 and did a lot better with it. I think I may have just been nervous the first time I tried it.

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